Arson suspected in Janesville car fire

JANESVILLE—Police are investigating the arson of a car in the early morning hours Sunday in the first block of North Washington Street, about a block from the Five Points intersection on the city's west side.

First responders found the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu burning in several places when they arrived, which leads investigators to believe it was arson, said Lt. Keith Lawver of the police detective bureau.

The car was parked on the street. Investigators believe someone broke a window and poured accelerant—probably gasoline—into the car, Lawver said.

It's not known whether the act was random or whether the car's owner was targeted, Lawver said. Police are working with the owner but as of Thursday had no suspects.

The car was valued at about $28,000, Lawver said.

A police report suggested gasoline stolen in the burglary of a nearby garage at about the same time might have been used on the car.